* Cell Cycle: The cell cycle is a series of events that lead to cell growth and division. It has four main phases: G1, S, G2, and M (mitosis).
* G2 Phase: The G2 phase is the final stage of interphase, the period before mitosis. During G2, the cell prepares for mitosis by:
* Completing DNA replication: The cell ensures that all the DNA has been replicated correctly in the S phase.
* Synthesizing proteins: The cell produces proteins needed for mitosis, such as microtubules for the spindle apparatus.
* Growing in size: The cell continues to grow to prepare for division.
* M Phase (Mitosis): The M phase is where the actual cell division occurs, with the duplicated chromosomes being separated into two daughter cells. This is triggered by the completion of G2 and the cell's readiness for division.
So, while mitosis itself happens in the M phase, the initiation of the process is triggered by the completion of the G2 phase.
